Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder that can make your body pass excessive amounts of protein in the urine. Any damage or dysfunction caused in the glomeruli or filter of the kidneys is the main reason behind getting affected by this syndrome.
Due to the damage in the glomeruli, the blood proteins such as albumin get leaked into the urine. If you experience any symptoms of nephrotic syndrome then you must contact the best kidney specialist in Siliguri who can recommend effective diagnosis and treatment for a speedy recovery.
Given below is a detailed description about the common symptoms, causes, complications, diagnosis, and treatment options for nephrotic syndrome.
Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of nephrotic syndrome is severe swelling in the feet, eyes, and ankles. This mainly happens due to fluid retention, which is a common complication of most of the kidney disorders. You may also experience a sudden increase in weight due to fluid retention.
The other early signs of this syndrome are fatigue, foamy urine, loss of appetite, low albumin levels in the blood, high cholesterol levels, and abdominal pain. You may also experience loss of vitamin D and calcium, which are essential for proper health.
Causes
The main cause of nephrotic syndrome is the damaged glomeruli, which can be caused by various disorders. The key disorder that can damage the glomeruli and cause the syndrome is diabetic kidney disease which can also lead to overall kidney damage.
The other contributing causes include amyloidosis, minimal change disease, membranous neuropathy, and systemic lupus erythematosus. If these disorders are not effectively controlled then it can lead to permanent kidney damage.
Associated Complications
Without proper treatment, nephrotic syndrome can cause various complications and blood clotting in the veins is one of them. This is because the protein present in the blood is responsible for preventing clotting and in nephrotic syndrome, these proteins are deficient.
Some of the other probable complications include poor nutrition, high triglycerides, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and acute kidney injury. To know the best treatment options, you can contact the top nephrologist in Siliguri.
Diagnosis
To recommend an effective treatment option, the doctor will first perform some diagnostic tests. The main test that can determine any abnormalities in the urine is a detailed urine culture. You will be directed to collect the urine sample from home so that any presence of protein in it can be checked.
A kidney biopsy can also be done in case of progressed stage of nephrotic syndrome. You may be referred to do some blood tests as well, which include triglyceride, albumin, and cholesterol tests.
Treatment
After analysing the symptoms and test results, the doctor may prescribe some medications to manage the condition. Blood thinners, blood pressure medications, water pills, and cholesterol-reducing medications can be recommended. The doctor can also advise on some lifestyle and diet changes for long-term recovery.
Contacting an experienced urologist doctor in Siliguri will enable you to understand the measures to prevent nephrotic syndrome. Controlling underlying health issues, indulging in a balanced diet, and preventing infections are the best ways to reduce the risk of the syndrome.
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nephrotic-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375613
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5989-nephrotic-syndrome